Tag Archives: Xbox One Policies

Microsoft pulls another 180! The Xbox One Kinect is not required, but will still come bundled with the console. This first broke over on an article from IGN full of other interesting facts from their Q&A with Marc Whitten, Chief Xbox One Platform Architect.

The breaking news comes from this statement from Marc Whitten “…like online, the console will still function if Kinect isn’t plugged in, although you won’t be able to use any feature or experience that explicitly uses the sensor”. This comes as great news because back in May Microsoft said that you’ll need have the motion-sensing Kinect plugged in at all times in order for your Xbox One to function. But, just like the DRM policies, the Kinect requirement for the Xbox One has been reversed.

Whitten went on to add “You have the ability to completely turn the sensor off in your settings. When in this mode, the sensor is not collecting any information… You can turn the sensor back on at any time through settings, and if you enter into a required Kinect experience (like Kinect Sports Rivals for instance), you’ll get a message asking if you want to turn the sensor back on in order to continue.”

To answer the big question that everyone has right now Microsoft has said they have no intentions of selling an Xbox One without Kinect. Please keep in mind it would appear that the requirement of the Kinect is up to the hands of each video game developer. However, Microsoft has changed their minds once or twice before.

The Xbox One will cost $500, Microsoft has said. That’s with the Kinect. For comparison, the PS4 will be $400. The Wii U premium package costs $350.

The rumors were true! Microsoft has made the smart business decisions in regards to some rather negative policies imposed by Microsoft for the Xbox One. It was modeled partially after a Steam like platform, but after much community feedback, some more violent than others, Microsoft has retracted and did the right thing!

“So, today I am announcing the following changes to Xbox One and how you can play, share, lend, and resell your games exactly as you do today on Xbox 360. Here is what that means:

An internet connection will not be required to play offline Xbox One games – After a one-time system set-up with a new Xbox One, you can play any disc based game without ever connecting online again. There is no 24 hour connection requirement and you can take your Xbox One anywhere you want and play your games, just like on Xbox 360.

Trade-in, lend, resell, gift, and rent disc based games just like you do today – There will be no limitations to using and sharing games, it will work just as it does today on Xbox 360.

In addition to buying a disc from a retailer, you can also download games from Xbox Live on day of release. If you choose to download your games, you will be able to play them offline just like you do today. Xbox One games will be playable on any Xbox One console — there will be no regional restrictions.

These changes will impact some of the scenarios we previously announced for Xbox One. The sharing of games will work as it does today, you will simply share the disc. Downloaded titles cannot be shared or resold. Also, similar to today, playing disc based games will require that the disc be in the tray.”

Giantbomb broke the news first (giantbomb article) and has since gone viral, crashing the site. Here’s a screenshot and excerpt from the website.

“Multiple sources inform me Microsoft will announce what amounts to a complete reversal on its DRM policies for Xbox One today.

What does this mean?

No more always online requirement

The console no longer has to check in every 24 hours

All game discs will work on Xbox One as they do on Xbox 360

An Internet connection is only required when initially setting up the console

All downloaded games will function the same when online or offline

No additional restrictions on trading games or loaning discs

Region locks have been dropped

It is unclear what caused this huge change in policy right after E3…”

Microsoft themselves has confirmed that policies have been updated.

“Update on June 19, 2013: As a result of feedback from the Xbox community, we have changed certain policies for Xbox One reflected in this blog. Some of this information is no longer accurate — please check here for the latest.“